Fløya Hike

Hike overview

The hike up Fløya is the most popular climb in Svolvær, as well as on the entire island of Austvågøya in the Lofoten archipelago. This short but intense route offers an exceptional 360-degree panorama of Svolvær, the capital of Lofoten, the surrounding fjords, and the island's highest peaks. The route takes you to the famous Djevelporten (Devil's Gate), a rock wedged between two rock faces that is a popular photo spot, similar to Kjeragbolten.

Remarks

Best time to go: Mid-May to mid-October on average. See the Norway FAQ for more details.

Access: Departure is less than two kilometers from the center of Svolvær. There is paid parking at the trailhead, but spaces are limited. Alternative parking is available in the city center.

Description and difficulties of the hike

The route does not present any major difficulties. The slopes are relatively steep, but the path is clearly visible thanks to the numerous passages and is well marked and signposted, which is rare in Lofoten.

The first part of the trail begins with the Sherpa Stairs (Djeveltrappa), which were built to facilitate the ascent on the steepest section. The terrain then becomes rocky, with muddy sections, especially in wet weather.

After reaching Djevelporten, the trail continues along the ridge towards Fløya. Only climb to the summit if you are an experienced mountaineer and sure-footed. The last few meters require some scrambling, and there is no room for error. This route should be avoided by anyone afraid of heights. Instead, continue along the wide ridge towards the southwest. There, you will find several beautiful viewpoints overlooking Svolvær and the north and east sides of Austvågøya.

What you'll love

  • The 360-degree panorama from the summit offering spectacular views of Svolvær, the region's lakes, and Austvågøya's highest peaks to the north.
  • The opportunity to admire the famous Svolværgeita (the Svolvær Goat), an iconic rock formation that is visible from the trail.
  • Standing on Djevelporten, a rock wedged between two cliffs that forms a natural arch.

Hike technical sheet

Activity: Hiking
Difficulty: ModerateiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Average duration: 3 h 30iFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Length: 4 km
Type of route: Loop
Elevation gain: 600 m
Maximum altitude: 575 m
Vertiginous: SlightlyiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Marked: Yes
Popularity: Very high
Region: Austvågøya
Start point: 68.24479, 14.57796

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Fløya Hike